Archive for August, 2003

Wednesday, August 27th, 2003

The Beat Is Murder

Mate an album on Worth1000.com. Classic, classic. Linkie from Kyle.

What does former Hellblazer scribe Warren Ellis think about the Keanu-fied film version of Constantine? Find out here. “I think Reeves is an interesting choice…” Very diplomatic, Warren.

And apparently this guy is earmarked for the title role in the new Christopher Nolan-helmed Batman flick. I guess they figure that other comic book adaptation did pretty well casting an accented unknown named “Hugh” in a major role, but going through this guy’s photo gallery, I dunno…

Just over a week away and I have no confirmation at all that the September 6 rescheduled date for Radiohead is legit – sorry. They’re going to be back in North America in October, NYC on the 9th, 10th and 14th in particular. Is the Amphitheatre even still open that late into the season? I can’t imagine how the organizers would handle moving the show to another venue. It would be bedlam. Bedlam, I say!

Decade Of Rad: Top 10 Movies Of The 80s. Gymkata!!!

np – Steve Earle / El Corazon

Tuesday, August 26th, 2003

Slips And Tangles

Napster returns in cartoon form! While I have zero to nil interest in the new service, I give those behind it props for a fun marketing campaign.

More Weakerthans love, this time courtesy of the Star. Someone explain to me why an album that’s getting such a major push in this city is available only as an import? Maybe they’ll had copies on sale at their free show at the ElMo this evening. Not that I was there… but I drove by. People out on the street were listening to the show. It was nice.

I went to Ikea tonight to scout out prospective furniture purchases. Had to reevaluate some stuff I had picked out because the corner desks were MUCH larger than I had expected. Too much so. So on the plus side, I will be getting a cheaper desk – a smaller desk. And some other stuff. I dunno, it’s impossible to figure out what I need until I actually get what I already have into place.

Speaking of moving, I got the wonderful news from my condo that I can’t have the service elevator on Monday, on account of it being a holiday. This is problematic because Tuesday, everyone who was going to a) offer me use of their van and b) help me move, will be back at work or otherwise unavailable. I’m going to call tomorrow and talk to the management about this, but I don’t expect them to be flexible. This moving will end up being a multiple-day affair, then. I have a contingency plan in place, it’s not a great one, but it should do if that’s how things shake out. Someone said to me that moving is the most stressful period in a person’s life, after death and divorce. I’m beginning to believe it.

News – Ticketmaster has Fountains Of Wayne listed at the Horseshoe on September 18… I think the ‘Shoe is a little small for a band as established and getting as much radio play as FOW, but I guess it’s happening thusly. I will have to be on the ball to get tickets for that one ($13.50 a pop).

np – Jeff Mangum / Live At Jitter Joe’s

Tuesday, August 26th, 2003

Rescue Us From Boredom

Matador are planning to give the Luxe & Reduxe treatment to Pavement’s Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain for late 2004.

Columbus Alive interviews Joe Pernice. Link graciously donated to the cause by Donewaiting, and yes Robert – Pernice Brothers are something you would love. Go listen, it’s good for the soul.

Question for those in the know – how is the new Super Friendz album? I loved the first two SF albums, but the Flashing Lights just didn’t do that much for me, for whatever reason. Too deliberately mod-ish and retro, I think. But is Love Energy definitely a Super Friendz record? I’ve been seeing it used around town, and am wondering if I should pick it up.

One morning and I’ve gotten the cable, high-speed internet and electricty for my new place sorted out. Bell should be getting back to me with my new phone number within a day or two. I am a freaking dynamo.

It’s nice to have relatives who work at companies like ATI. I am getting a Radeon 9600 Pro for $75 less than retail. Sweet. I’ll be playing Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance before you know it.

Congratulations to Jeff and Kim, who are expecting their first child in March.

np – The Super Friendz / Mock Up Scale Down

Monday, August 25th, 2003

Metal Firecracker

Taking cues from the marketing departments for The Matrix and Kill Bill, Ryan Adams will release Love Is Hell in two parts – the first $5 list price EP is out November 4, the same day as Ryan’s new long-player Rock N Roll, and the second volume on December 9. Ryan Adams wants to be your secret Santa this holiday season.

Travis’ 12 Memories comes out on October 14.

Mark Kozalek of Red House Painters has a new project, Sun Kil Moon. I can find no info about this besides the fact that Jet Set is releasing their debut, Ghosts Of The Great Highway on November 4. I will bet you dollars to donuts that it is slow. And probably sad.

Gary Louris discusses the differences between fans of the three phases of the Jayhawks’ career. I liked Sound Of Lies and Smile, myself.

Whilst channel surfing yesterday, I find: Slamball. WTF?

np – Lucinda Williams / Car Wheels On A Gravel Road

Sunday, August 24th, 2003

Bottle Of Smoke

Ahh, it’s been a good long while since I’ve had a proper hangover. So very dry. Saturday nights at the Tap are good stuff – Moe Berg from The Pursuit Of Happiness spins a terrificly eclectic range of pop music and drinks are cheap. And strong. Oh my.

Yo La Tengo are coming back to Toronto, with The Aisler’s Set in tow. They play the Ryerson Theatre on October 4 – the night I will be at Calexico. It will be a good night for the rocking out in the T-dot.

Update: Had the dates wrong – YLT is on the 3rd. But that *still* conflicts with Calexico… just not the night I was gonna go. Anyway, I will probably still pass on YLT.

More Weakerthans press. Reconstruction Site is getting a pretty major push, and some very good reviews.

Six Feet Under debuts on Canadian basic cable tonight – 10pm on Showcase. I’m pretty keen to see what all the hubbub is about. Hubbub. That’s a funny word.

I seem to have made someone’s hit list. I can’t wait till it’s my turn to get roasted… I veritably tingle with anticipation. Oh, wait, my foot’s just asleep.

Happy 36th birthday to Jeff Tweedy. Long may you run.

np – Wilco / The Complete Singles